Thursday, April 14, 2016
By LINDA M. LINONIS
WARREN
Judge James A. Fredericka is looking for people with big hearts and time to volunteer in the Guardian Angels of Ohio program.
When he became Trumbull County Probate Court judge in February 2015, Judge Fredericka embraced the program started in 2002 by retired Judge Thomas A. Swift and overseen by the probate court. Guardian Angels volunteers sign up to visit wards of the court who live mainly in skilled nursing home and assisted-living facilities. Volunteers extend a hand of friendship, offering contact and conversation to someone who is alone or lonely.
When the judge talks about Guardian Angels, his enthusiasm is apparent. “This is a most wonderful program ... so fulfilling and rewarding in addition to being a great service to our seniors,” he said. “Guardian Angels volunteers fulfill a need in Trumbull County.”
The judge asked the question, “Have you ever felt alone?” and answered it with: “We’ve all felt that way at one time ... and many people have that feeling every day.”
He pointed out that many Trumbull County residents are alone for different reasons. But other county residents are willing to be a friend. “Our volunteers are sincere, and I have thanked them many times,” he said. Judge Fredericka shared that one volunteer told him thanks weren’t necessary because “the program is so rewarding for volunteers.”
When Judge Fredericka took office, there were about 30 volunteers. “I speak to organizations in Trumbull County about what we do. ... I’ve been to block watches, civic and community groups,” he said. “I’m challenging them to respond to the need and help the most-vulnerable and the elderly. They’re responding to the need.”
The promotion campaign is paying off; Guardian Angels number 72. His goal is to get to 100 and beyond.
Amy Prezioso, assistant coordinator of Guardian Angels, said to become a Guardian Angel, a person must be 18 years old and undergo a background check by Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department. Volunteers fill out an application and supply three personal references. A volunteer then goes through training, focusing mainly on “communication skills and how to break the ice,” she said. Volunteer meetings are monthly.
In training, Prezioso said she discusses “what to look for in the person’s well-being.” The volunteer also is asked to report back on “how the person is and how the home is.” “We check on their well-being and if their needs are being met,” Prezioso said. If there are serious issues, a court investigator is sent to assess the situation.
Since the beginning of this year, Prezioso said, Guardian Angels volunteers have made 287 visits to 32 skilled nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. But, she added, Guardian Angels also visit other residents in the facilities if the social worker or activities director asks them; Angels also make visits to private homes. “They have big hearts,” she said. The program asks that volunteers visit monthly. “Most go more often, many once a week.”
Prezioso said clients “get health benefits because the visits help prevent isolation that leads to depression. Many forge new friendships,” she said. “Volunteers say they feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Prezioso said there are 892 adult wards of the probate court, and half are seniors 60 years old and older. Judge Fredericka explained that a guardianship is set up when adults can’t take care of themselves or their property because of physical or mental reasons. Legal guardians often are family members but don’t have to be, he added. Some Guardian Angels have become legal guardians. “That’s a lot of responsibility,’ he said.
Shirley Barbe-Divencenzo of Cortland has volunteered for 15 years. A retired nurse, she brings the knowledge that such contact benefits residents’ overall well-being. She recalls a visit at Thanksgiving when she gave out cards pertaining to the observance. “One of my residents said it was the first time she ever received a card,” Barbe-Divencenzo said, adding she was touched by the event.
“This program is about giving the gift of companionship,” she said. “You can’t help but love them,” she said of those she visits. “There is a great need for this ... and they have unique stories to share.”
Barbe-Divencenzo said situations also can be poignant; she was the only mourner at one person’s funeral. “I did the eulogy,” she said.